Hi everyone, I wrote a few weeks ago about my search for commercial insurance. I want to run an interstate entertainer coach that I will rent out to bands traveling around the country. I am having A LOT of trouble finding insurance, however. The main reasons seem to be the age of the bus (1985 MCI 96a3), my age (24), and a speeding ticket on my MVR (20-39 over in a car). I am principally going to work with one band, so does anyone know anything about a loophole that I could expose if i were to only work with a single entity? Thanks for the help! Also, if you DO have insurance referalls, I'll take them!

It's sometimes a fine line between what's right and what's expedient. While it's not right, I know for a fact that there are leased entertainer coaches running up and down the road as private motor homes. I doubt that the DOT would ever pull you over but an accident or moving violation might expose you to world of problems.

in the legal definition if the band is paid or compensated in any way you are a commercial vehicle. you could probably get away with calling yourself private but if push came to shove you will lose out.steve

FWIW, I don't buy insurance because the law requires it. I buy insurance to cover my a$$ & limit my cash outlay in case things go badly. When the stuff hits the fan, I want the insurance company backing me up - NOT assisting in the fraud charges against me.

So, it is with that background that I say that anyone who is lying/ deceiving the insurance company just to get coverage, is wasting their $$.

If the speeding ticket is the issue, ask if there are training courses they recognise to allow you coverage.

I remember my insurance rates when I was 24, & I feel for you. In my case, it was justified

Logged

I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. (R.M. Nixon)

keep looking. You would be amazed at the different prices/possibilties different brockers have. Sometimes as much as 500%. My insuarance co wanted to double my rates for no reason (no accidents just a change in policY) I changed brokers and now pay less for 2 vehicles than I used to pay for one, and when I started with the first insurer they were the least expensive, a few years later everything had changed. Another possibilty is licensing/insuring/registering in a more leniant state. Just make sure it's legal.p.s. where I live a commercial vehicle has much more stringent safety standards, and a fairly constant inspection schedule (yearly)

Also check out the rates for different States. For example, auto/bus insurance in general is quite $cheaper$ up here in Oregon than in Commiefornia (California) just 30 miles south. We also have found that a good relationship with your private insurance agent may make quite a difference. Business is business. Good luck.